After Li Chenjiao's courtyards were merged, the east courtyard became much larger. Transplanted flowers and trees were difficult to keep alive in winter, making the area outside the merged courtyard seem rather empty.
The small kitchen was built separately, but Li Chenjiao didn't have anyone skilled in cooking, so it was only used occasionally to cook soups and late-night snacks.
A few days ago, Li Chenjiao mentioned that she would ask the Fourth Master to find a cook when he returned, but she forgot to mention it as soon as he came back.
Li Chenjiao didn't really care whether He had good cooking skills or not. Although she loved to eat, she believed that the most important thing in employing people was to be dedicated.
However, when they were learning the rules, Granny Qin also asked about the new girl, Madam He, who had arrived later.
When Li Chenjiao was resting, she heard this and said "Oh" with interest: "Why did you suddenly bring up Madam He, Granny?"
At Li Chenjiao's prompting, Granny Qin sat down and said, "Is there something wrong? My throat is dry and hoarse in the winter. The other night, Madam He made me a bowl of pear soup, and my throat felt much better yesterday."
Fearing that Li Chenjiao might misunderstand, Qin Mama added, "Please don't take offense, Consort. It's just that having someone by your side, right under your nose, is more suitable than keeping them far away."
Since Qin Mama wasn't a member of the household, she said this because she and Li Chenjiao had gotten along well lately.
After several cold days, Madam He did not go to Qiu Hu and Qiu Ci to curry favor with them, nor did she send pear soup to Granny Qin.
Li Chenjiao had been learning etiquette from Granny Qin for some time and knew that Granny Qin had a cough. Granny Qin would talk a lot when teaching Li Chenjiao, and the two maids would always prepare pear juice for her.
Moreover, Granny Qin came from the Imperial Household Department and wouldn't stay in the mansion for long. Besides, it's said that both Madam He and Madam Zhu were chosen by the Fujin from her maternal clan, the Ulanara clan.
There's really nothing relevant to it.
Li Chenjiao smiled upon hearing this and followed Qin Mama's words, saying, "Have Madam He make a bowl of pear soup later, so I can try her cooking."
Qiu Hu, who was standing by, responded.
The day Consort De summoned Li Chenjiao in the palace was set for November 22nd, which was only a few days away.
When Li Chenjiao touched the inside of the snow pear soup cup at night, she didn't react in any other way. She picked up a spoon, stirred it, and then lowered her head to taste it.
It has a smooth and sweet taste. The pear is finely grated and simmered into a thick and sweet soup. The amount of rock sugar added is just right, and it won't feel cloying even after eating a few more bites.
"It really does taste good." Li Chenjiao didn't hold back her praise. She added, "Reward Madam He, but don't be too generous. Tell her to take good care of her in the future."
Li Chenjiao still did not see Madam He.
"Granny Qin will be returning to the Imperial Household Department in a few days. Prepare some silver notes, some donkey-hide gelatin from the storeroom, and some winter clothing materials. Pack them all up and send them to Granny Qin," Li Chenjiao instructed while drinking her pear soup.
Both girls agreed.
The Imperial Household Department also sent over the clothing and accessories for the secondary consort a few days ago.
There was no rule among Han Banner girls to wear three earrings in one ear. Li Chenjiao's ear piercings were done on the very first day when Granny Qin taught her the rules.
However, they still cannot use pearls from the East; they can only wear pearl earrings in the shape of golden clouds and gold threads.
This is considered a light and delicate ornament, like the gold hair ornament, which is carved with various gold clouds and interspersed with lapis lazuli. The dangling beads are held by gold turquoise knots and are also decorated with coral. Li Chenjiao gets tired of holding it for a long time.
The collar was like a necklace, with a jewel-encrusted opening ring and two dark blue silk ribbons hanging down over the collar.
Then there's the footwear. Because Li Chenjiao is pregnant, her footwear is a pair of high-soled shoes with a not-so-high sole, but in reality, they are much lower than flowerpot shoes and calla lily sole shoes.
They were similar to the shoes Li Chenjiao usually wore.
However, Li Chenjiao did put on the full set of auspicious clothes properly. To be honest, it was really cumbersome. Wearing the collar for a long time made her neck hurt.
Fortunately, there are probably only a few formal summons like this throughout the year, otherwise Li Chenjiao would be exhausted.
In addition, since it was winter, wearing the heavy traditional clothing wasn't as stuffy as it was in summer; it was actually quite warm.
So when the Fourth Prince came to see Li Chenjiao the following evening, Li Chenjiao said with great sincerity, "Your Highness must be working so hard outside every day."
Fourth Master succinctly replied, "It's not hard work."
During dinner, Li Chenjiao noticed that the dark circles under the Fourth Prince's eyes were more pronounced than when he returned from Khorchin, Mongolia, a few days ago. Clearly, the Fourth Prince had been working even harder since returning to the capital.
Li Chenjiao silently snuggled into the Fourth Prince's arms to comfort him, saying, "You won't have to work so hard during the New Year."
However, it just means getting up early to go to the palace and having a hard time for a while.
Li Chenjiao added another sentence in her mind.
On the 22nd, Li Chenjiao got up very early. She had gone to bed earlier the night before, but Qiu Hu woke her up this morning.
Qiu Hu was very considerate. After washing and dressing her mistress, she didn't rush to style Li Chenjiao's hair but instead had Qiu Ci bring in breakfast first.
While Li Chenjiao was having breakfast, Qiu Hu and Qiu Ci carefully checked the wedding clothes and jewelry she was to wear again to make sure there were no mistakes.
After Li Chenjiao had breakfast, the two maids helped her put on the elaborate wedding dress. Qiu Hu then quickly styled Li Chenjiao's hair and finally put on her jewelry one by one.
After the Fourth Prince discovered the bronze mirror that had been replaced on the dressing table, Li Chenjiao blushed again and had Qiu Hu replace it with a mercury mirror the next day.
The saying "clothes make the man" is certainly true.
Li Chenjiao usually wears all kinds of clothes, but when she put on this side consort's auspicious robe, she seemed to have a more imposing presence. Her original radiance was even more apparent, and there was a kind of charisma in her eyes that made people want to submit.
The two maids couldn't help but laugh as soon as Li Chenjiao spoke.
"Quick, help me up, my neck hurts," Li Chenjiao said, raising her hand to support it.
The two maids hurriedly agreed, and after leaving the east courtyard, Qiu Hu continued to support Li Chenjiao, while Xiao Luzi, who was leading the way, also slowed down.
Logically, Li Chenjiao could only bring one maid when she went to the palace to pay her respects. However, Li Chenjiao asked the Fourth Prince once when he returned and only brought Xiao Luzi after receiving confirmation.
When Li Chenjiao entered the palace, Xiao Luzi was assigned to guard the carriage outside the Forbidden City, as it was more convenient for Xiao Luzi to handle matters outside.
The snow in the capital had been falling for a long time, and the snow outside the Forbidden City had been swept clean. Qiu Hu had already opened her umbrella when she got off the carriage.
Everything was white except for a patch of vermilion on the walls of the Forbidden City.
Li Chenjiao was led into the inner palace by a servant.
Deep within the alley, Li Chenjiao did not look around, nor did she even raise her eyebrows.
The servant who came to guide the way from Consort De's palace did manage to steal a few glances.
Actually, Li Chenjiao's neck was just too tired, and she was too lazy to even move her eyes.
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